Abstract In recent years, metal halides (MHs) have emerged as ideal materials for indirect X‐ray detection scintillators due to their superior radiation luminescence properties, tunable luminescence, and low‐cost fabrication. However, rigid scintillators often suffer from dark corner effects in imaging applications targeting curved objects or complex geometries. This leads to brightness decay at image edges and spatial response inhomogeneities, thereby hindering high‐quality, high‐fidelity imaging. Therefore, it is of significant importance to develop flexible scintillator films that combine large‐area coverage, high spatial resolution, excellent flexibility and uniform scintillation performance. As there is currently a lack of systematic reviews specifically addressing the manufacturing processes for flexible scintillators based on MHs for X‐ray detection, it is of great significance to conduct a systematic review to identify the challenges in the manufacturing of flexible scintillators and propose solutions. This review systematically summarizes the structural optimization strategies for flexible films based on polymer substrates and the research progress in manufacturing flexible amorphous scintillators. It also summarizes the key performance parameters of MHs scintillators and the relevant characterization methods for flexibility. Finally, it discusses the core challenges currently facing flexible scintillators and outlines future development directions for flexible MHs scintillators indirect detectors.
Abstract Long‐term interval electrophysiological (EP) signal monitoring plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of heart, brain, and muscle‐related diseases. However, traditional gel electrodes face significant challenges, including low conductivity, poor environmental stability, and possible harm to the human body. Herein, we present the design of a conductive epidermal dry electrode fabricated from an n‐type conducting polymer poly (benzodifurandione) (PBFDO) integrated with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). This electrode features high conductivity (208 S/cm), biocompatibility, adaptability to skin, and excellent environmental stability. These characteristics enable the epidermal dry electrode to achieve reduced skin impedances and improved signal‐to‐noise ratios for EP signal monitoring, surpassing the performance of the commercial Ag/AgCl gel electrode. Moreover, the electrode can retain its remarkably high conductivity even under stringent conditions, including elevated temperatures of 30–100°C, 30%–100% relative humidity, and exposure to sweat. These exceptional qualities allow our dry electrodes to reliably and effectively monitor human EP signals over long intervals, highlighting their potential as high‐performance epidermal electrodes for continuous physiological monitoring.
Abstract Tactile sensing in high‐temperature environments remains a critical challenge for robotic systems operating in industrial manufacturing, food processing, and other high‐temperature assembly operations. Herein, we report a heat‐resistant flexible tactile sensor with comprehensive high performance, featuring a hierarchical architecture comprising polyimide foam/carbon fiber composite as the sensing layer, flexible graphite paper electrodes, and fiberglass‐reinforced silicone rubber encapsulation. The sensor exhibits ultra‐high sensitivity (414.86 kPa −1 in the range of 1–500 kPa), wide detection range (0.0023– 1200 kPa), rapid response/recovery times (30 and 7 ms), and outstanding cyclic stability (12 000 cycles at 200 kPa). Remarkably, the sensor maintains stable operation at continuous temperatures up to 320°C and survives direct flame exposure at 727°C for 30 s. Integrated into a five‐fingered robotic hand, the sensor achieves intelligent high‐temperature object recognition of heated cookies at 150°C with 100% classification accuracy using 1D‐CNN. Furthermore, implementation in a two‐finger robotic arm demonstrates precise gravimetric sensing and droplet‐level mass detection capabilities (30–50 mg) for safe handling of high‐temperature liquids. This work demonstrates heat‐resistant flexible tactile sensors with comprehensive high‐performance characteristics, enabling reliable intelligent sensing and safe operation in extreme thermal environments previously inaccessible to flexible electronics.
Abstract Morphological stability of active layers is a critical factor influencing the performance and longevity of organic solar cells (OSCs). This study proposes a novel approach to assess device stability based on the fractal characteristics of the active layer morphology, focusing on self‐similarity as a key parameter. Our findings indicate that a higher degree of morphological congruence between donor and acceptor materials results in more refined fractal structures and improved self‐similarity within the blending films, which is directly correlated with the improved stability of both the film morphology and device performance. By introducing acceptor molecules exhibiting a strong congruence with the donor material as a third component, we achieved high self‐similarity in the morphology of bulk heterojunction (BHJ) films, resulting in enhanced device stability. The optimized devices simultaneously maintain a power conversion efficiencie of 20.05%, underscoring the feasibility of balancing efficiency and stability. This work establishes self‐similarity as a practical metric for guiding material design, offering a scalable strategy to improve OSC durability for applications in flexible and indoor photovoltaics.
Abstract In recent years, photo‐controlled radical room‐temperature phosphorescent (RTP) materials have shown significant application potential in information encryption, anti‐counterfeiting, sensing, and optical writing due to their dynamic response characteristics. This paper systematically reviews the latest developments in the field, focusing on the generation and stabilization mechanisms of photo‐induced radicals via various strategies. The precise control of phosphorescence intensity, lifetime, and color through radical involvement is achieved by material design methods such as co‐assembly, crystal engineering, and controlled polymerization. The key role of radicals as an “energy redistribution hub” and “light switch” in modulating intersystem crossing and suppressing non‐radiative transitions is highlighted. Additionally, this review summarizes innovative applications of radical‐based RTP materials in smart encryption, environmental sensing, photo printing, and 3D printing, and discusses current challenges including radical stability, oxygen quenching, and multifunctional integration. Future development of efficient bifunctional photo‐initiators, dynamic oxygen removal mechanisms, and biocompatible systems will drive the advancement of these materials in smart materials, biometrics, and information security.
Abstract With the rapid development of flexible wearable electronics, the demand for lightweight, safe, and durable energy storage systems has grown dramatically. Flexible supercapacitors (FSCs), featuring high power density, ultrafast charge‐discharge capability, and long cycling life, have emerged as promising candidates for next‐generation flexible devices. Nevertheless, it still remains a challenge to achieve an optimal balance between inherent mechanical flexibility and superior energy storage capability for electrodes relying on a single active material. This review first provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in composite flexible electrodes for FSCs from the aspects of structural design, energy storage mechanisms, and key performance indicators. The fabrication strategies and active composite materials are discussed in detail, highlighting the role of material synergy and structural engineering in enhancing electrochemical performance and mechanical robustness. Applications in flexible electronic systems, including intelligent sensors, medical devices, and electronic displays, are also discussed. Finally, the opportunities and challenges faced by FSCs are presented. This review aims to provide guidance for advancing FSCs toward practical and versatile energy storage solutions by systematically summarizing recent progress and discussing the remaining challenges.
Abstract Developing lightweight, high‐accuracy resistance training equipment for real‐time, dynamic quantification of motion parameters during high‐velocity resistance training remains a critical bottleneck in scientific digital sports, rehabilitation, and aerospace health maintenance. In a recent major breakthrough, Tao's interdisciplinary team developed a scalable, hyperstable intelligent fiber velocimeter for dynamic digital resistance training. The intelligent resistance band system based on this fiber velocimeter can real‐time monitor velocity, resistance and power parameters, evaluate training status, and provide over‐speed or fatigue warnings. Proven to significantly enhance training intensity, explosiveness and movement standardization, this innovative system is expected to promote the digital development of rehabilitation exercises for the elderly and chronic disease patients as well as athletes' strength training, and further pioneer broader conceptual and technological innovations in astronaut on‐orbit training.
Abstract Enhancing molecular rigidity of multi‐resonant (MR) frameworks is a popular strategy for improving their performance, yet the convoluted interplay between structural and electronic effects has obscured a rational design path. Herein, these effects are systematically decoupled via a three‐stage comparative study progressing from a twisted prototype (B2) to a planarized, non‐conjugated control (AcB2), and finally to a carbonyl‐integrated target (COB2). This investigation reveals that simple planarization (B2→AcB2) can lead to narrower and blueshifted emission but contribute little to triplet exciton harvesting and device efficiency enhancement. In contrast, the subsequent electronic engineering via the methylene bridge oxidation (AcB2→COB2) acts as a powerful orbital engineering tool. This modulation not only induces a significant bathochromic shift without spectral broadening, but also activates a dominant, ultra‐efficient higher‐triplet‐mediated reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) channel, resulting in an accelerated RISC rate of 1.7 × 10 6 s −1 . Consequently, the non‐sensitized organic light‐emitting diode based on COB2 achieves an outstanding external quantum efficiency of 37.3% with mild efficiency roll‐off. This work establishes a new design paradigm, demonstrating that active electronic modulation, rather than passive structural rigidification, is the critical point for developing next‐generation MR emitters.
Abstract Lead halide perovskites exhibit promising optoelectronic properties for optoelectronic applications, but their commercialization remains limited by significant challenges, particularly the reliance on toxic lead. Accordingly, the pursuit of lead‐free perovskite light emitters has become a compelling research focus. In this review, we systematically analyze the design strategies of lead‐free perovskite emitters across different dimensional architectures and metal cations from monovalent to tetravalent, highlighting recent advances toward efficient light‐emitting devices. We further examine the relationships between elemental selection and optoelectronic properties, and discuss remaining challenges and future research directions, with emphasis on flexible materials development and device fabrication. Additionally, we summarize commonly used A‐site cations and discuss how their design principles cooperate with different metal‐valence frameworks to regulate dimensionality, excited‐state behavior, and device‐relevant properties, thereby linking molecular engineering with representative lead‐free luminescent perovskites and their key applications.
Abstract The further development of flexible ionic materials is limited by the evaporation or leakage of their internal liquid state. This article presents a composite flexible ionic material with no internal liquid, which forms a double crosslinked network through hydrogen bonding and lithium bonding, avoiding leakage and evaporation. Composite flexible ionic materials exhibit excellent conductivity, mechanical properties, and transparency. The synergistic effect of hydrogen bonding and lithium bonding endows composite flexible ionic materials with rapid self‐healing properties. On this basis, a resistive flexible sensor based on composite flexible ion materials was further developed. It has broad application prospects in human‐computer interaction, electronic skin, and medical health fields.
Abstract Body‐integrated photonic biosensors are emerging as key enablers of active healthcare, offering sensitive, selective, and potentially multiplexed optical readouts in wearable, implantable, and ingestible formats. Enabled by mechanically compliant, miniaturized designs, these platforms support point‐of‐care testing and continuous monitoring while reducing dependence on bulky benchtop instrumentation. This review summarizes major photonic biosensing modalities—fluorescence, colorimetry, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), localized SPR (LSPR), surface‐enhanced Raman scattering, and light‐modulating material (LMM)‐based sensing—highlighting their transduction principles, performance advantages, and practical constraints for on‐body operation. We then survey representative device implementations across five form factors, including flexible skin patches, optical fibers, contact lenses, miniprobes, and capsules, emphasizing target biofluids and biomarkers (e.g., sweat, wound exudate, tears, interstitial fluid, and blood) and key enabling integrations such as microfluidics, soft materials, and wireless readout. Finally, we discuss translational challenges, including robustness to ambient light and motion, sampling and calibration in unconstrained settings, long‐term stability and biocompatibility, expanded biomarker coverage, miniaturization and multifunctional integration, and the need for standardized benchmarking and clinical validation. We conclude with an outlook on standardization, scalable manufacturing, and data/AI‐assisted signal processing as critical directions for accelerating the adoption of body‐integrated photonic biosensors for continuous, personalized health monitoring.
Abstract The practical application of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) is constrained by the intrinsic limitations of conventional cathode materials, including insufficient active sites, sluggish Zn 2+ diffusion kinetics, and structural instability upon repeated cycling. In this study, we propose a synergistic cathode–electrolyte co‐engineering strategy. Oxygen vacancies ( O V ) engineered nanoflower‐like BiOCl featuring a crystalline‐amorphous heterostructure is designed, which establishes built‐in electric fields and tailors the local electronic structure to accelerate interfacial charge transfer. The amorphous regions provide abundant accessible active sites shorten Zn 2+ diffusion pathways and effectively alleviates the volume strain during Zn 2+ insertion/extraction. The I − / redox couple in the 2 M ZnSO 4 + 0.2 M KI electrolyte contributes additional Faradaic capacity while cooperatively promoting the reversible conversion reaction of Bi 0 /Bi 3+ . The optimized cathode exhibits excellent Zn 2+ storage performance with a specific capacity of 349 mA h g −1 retained after 800 cycles at 3 A g −1 and 256 mA h g −1 remaining after 2600 cycles at 10 A g −1 . This work provides an effective design principle integrating defect‐mediated interfacial engineering with redox‐active electrolyte modulation for advancing high‐energy high‐power and long‐cycling aqueous ZIBs.
Abstract Flexible pressure sensors, owing to their excellent comfort, flexibility, and adaptability, have emerged as promising candidates for applications in smart healthcare and rehabilitation training. However, challenges such as suboptimal sensing performance, insufficient stability, integration difficulties, and the real‐time interpretation of pathological gait characteristics still severely constrain their reliability and practicality in wearable applications. Here, we report multilayer microstructured capacitive sensors based on hierarchical polymer composites. These sensors demonstrate ultrahigh sensitivity (24.3% kPa −1 ), an ultralow detection limit (0.49 Pa), a broad pressure range (up to 500 kPa), and outstanding mechanical stability over 6000 loading‐unloading cycles. Finite element simulations reveal that both the TPU/Ag electrospun nanofiber film and the porous dielectric layer undergo compression under loading, thereby enhancing the air‐gap effect and dielectric properties, which collectively boost sensing sensitivity. The simulations further validate the working mechanism of the sensors under different pressure conditions, in good agreement with experimental results. Moreover, the sensors exhibit excellent stability even under extreme pressures (e.g., during automobile driving), and can be applied in human joint motion monitoring and encrypted communication recognition. By embedding artificial intelligence algorithms, spatiotemporal pressure data collected by sensor arrays are decoded and wirelessly transmitted to a mobile application. These models achieve 98.96% accuracy in detecting gait recovery stages of patients after knee surgery and 99.44% accuracy in classifying six rehabilitation training gait patterns, thereby laying a solid foundation for the development of next‐generation high‐performance intelligent insoles based on flexible pressure sensors.
Abstract Two‐dimensional (2D) gallium oxide (Ga 2 O 3 ) has emerged as a high‐ κ dielectric material for optoelectronic applications due to its ultra‐wide bandgap and large‐scale productivity. However, the usage of thermal treatment during the liquid‐metal‐assisted fabrication process could degrade the quality of channel materials. Here, we report a laser‐assisted in situ oxidation method combined with a confinement template‐assisted squeeze technique to fabricate centimeter‐scale 2D atomically thin Ga 2 O 3 films from liquid gallium metal surfaces at room temperature. This approach avoids thermal damage to vulnerable materials. The laser‐accelerated oxidation mechanism is elucidated as photocatalytic oxidation of initial Ga/Ga 2 O 3− x surface through the integration of multi‐wavelength laser radiation experiments and density functional theory calculations. We further demonstrate top‐gated field‐effect transistors (FETs) using black phosphorus (BP) and MoS 2 as channel materials, with thin‐film Ga 2 O 3 as the gate dielectrics. BP‐based FETs show gate‐tunable mid‐infrared photoresponse with responsivity at the order of 0.1 A·W −1 level. MoS 2 ‐based FETs exhibit a photo‐detectivity of 6.8 × 10 12 Jones in the visible‐light spectrum, an on/off ratio over 10 8 , a subthreshold swing of 73.6 mV decade −1 , and gate leakage currents below 4 × 10 −6 A cm −2 at 8 MV cm −1 . This room‐temperature laser‐oxidation approach enables scalable integration of ultrathin oxide dielectrics with sensitive 2D materials for next‐generation nanoelectronics.
Abstract Stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy overcomes the diffraction limit to reveal subcellular structures beyond the reach of conventional optical methods, driving strong interest in fluorescent nanomaterials engineered for STED compatibility. Among emerging candidates, lanthanide‐based upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) offer a compelling combination of properties: exceptional photostability, large anti‐Stokes shifts, narrow multicolor emission bands, and long‐lived excited states. This review presents the core principles of STED microscopy and critically examines UCNP‐based strategies for STED‐like super‐resolution imaging. We assess the practical advantages and inherent limitations across different lanthanide ion systems, and outline key open questions for future investigation. By clarifying lanthanide optical dynamics and bridging photonics with materials science, this review aims to accelerate the development of next‐generation super‐resolution imaging technologies.
Abstract Sensitizing fluorescent materials enables fast and efficient exciton utilization, providing an effective approach to improving the performance of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) beyond new material design. However, conventional OLEDs usually adopt amorphous structures, which limit efficient photon output under low driving voltages. In this work, two fabrication methods for sensitization‐based fluorescent OLEDs using crystalline host matrix (CHM) are proposed. By leveraging the high carrier mobility of CHM and the efficient exciton collection of the hot exciton material PyPO, two sensitized crystalline organic light‐emitting diodes (via hot exciton sensitizer type and exciton nanoaggregates type) exhibit excellent electroluminescence, with maximum external quantum efficiencies of 9.12% and 7.03%, respectively. Both OLEDs exhibit fast turn‐on behavior, with rapid increases in luminance and current density under the same driving voltage. This leads to improved photon output and reduced Joule heat loss ratio from series resistance. Integrating sensitization strategies into crystalline materials provides a novel pathway toward low‐power, high‐brightness OLEDs.
Abstract Top‐emitting quantum‐dot light‐emitting diodes (TE‐QLEDs) have been recognized as a key architecture for next‐generation displays, as they overcome substrate‐mode losses in bottom‐emitting devices, enable high aperture ratios, and are compatible with complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor backplanes. The reflective bottom electrode and semi‐transparent top electrode in TE‐QLEDs inherently form an optical microcavity, which can enhance resonant emission, improve color purity, and increase directionality. However, strong microcavity effects also induce angular‐dependent emission, viewing‐angle color shifts, and sensitivity to structural variations. In parallel, device lifetime remains limited by top‐electrode–induced damage, microcavity–transport coupling–related charge imbalance, and heat accumulation under high‐brightness operation. This review summarizes recent progress in TE‐QLEDs, covering device architectures and applications, microcavity effects, angular emission behavior, and operational stability. Strategies for improving light extraction, suppressing angular color shifts, and extending device lifetime through optical–electrical–thermal co‐optimization are systematically discussed. Finally, remaining challenges and future research directions toward achieving reliable, high‐performance TE‐QLEDs are outlined.
Abstract o ‐Carborane is widely used in designing multifunctional organic luminescent emitters. However, these derivatives often suffer from inefficient exciton utilization and competing energy pathways, leading to poor electroluminescent performance. In this study, two multifunctional materials, DBN‐ o Cb and DBN‐ o Cb‐2, were synthesized by embedding blue‐ and green‐emitting boron/nitrogen multiple resonance (B/N‐MR) units into ortho ‐carborane scaffolds. Exciton dynamics analysis showed that the localized excitation energy of DBN‐ o Cb could be effectively transferred via the Förster resonance energy transfer process, avoiding competition with photoinduced electron transfer. The rigid structures, formed by B/N‐MR fragments and o ‐carborane units, help reduce non‐radiative decay. Further investigation of exciton dynamics through femtosecond transient absorption studies indicates the presence of multiple distinct energy transfer pathways for DBN‐ o Cb. The corresponding organic light‐emitting diode based on DBN‐ o Cb achieved a record external quantum efficiency of 22.3%, the highest reported for red‐organic light‐emitting diodes with o ‐carborane‐based emitters.
Abstract The transition of wearable electronics from rigid components to skin‐interfaced systems has driven the search for materials that mimic the mechanical compliance of biological tissues. While hydrogels offer tissue‐like softness, their inevitable dehydration limits long‐term stability and functionality. Eutectogels, formed by immobilizing deep eutectic solvents (DESs) within polymer networks, have emerged as a robust alternative that overcomes these volatility issues while retaining intrinsic ionic conductivity and biocompatibility. This review provides a comprehensive roadmap of the eutectogel platform, starting from the fundamental chemistry of DESs to the design strategies for crosslinked polymer architectures. We analyze how specific fabrication methods tailor critical properties such as environmental tolerance, interfacial adhesion, and mechanical resilience. These material attributes enable a diverse range of applications, including high‐sensitivity strain sensing, electrophysiological monitoring, and advanced human‐machine interfaces. Beyond current capabilities, we critically examine the translational challenges facing the field, particularly the trade‐off between ionic conductivity and structural integrity. The discussion extends to emerging opportunities that will define the next generation of eutectogels, specifically the integration of artificial intelligence for data‐driven material discovery and signal interpretation, the adoption of three‐dimensional printing for customized manufacturing, and the development of fully recyclable networks to ensure life‐cycle sustainability.
Abstract The rapid development of wearable and portable electronics has created demand for flexible energy storage systems (FESDs) that not only exhibit superior electrochemical performance but also exhibit good mechanical durability. The unique properties of two‐dimensional MXene materials, such as their high electrical conductivity, adjustable surface chemistries, and inherent mechanical flexibility, make them suitable for use as electrode materials in flexible FESDs. This review summarizes the latest advancements in MXene‐based flexible materials for energy storage applications. Unlike previous studies, this work methodically traces the entire research pathway—from the synthesis of materials and the design of structures (such as films, fibers, and three‐dimensional architectures) to the assembly of functional flexible devices. The relationship between MXene material structure and device performance during degrees of mechanical deformation (such as bending or stretching) is specifically highlighted. Furthermore, the review addresses existing challenges that restrict large‐scale applications of flexible MXene FESDs, such as interlayer stacking issues, oxidation stability, and scalable fabrication procedures. Lastly, future research directions and outlooks for MXene‐based FESDs are provided.
